Joe's Take

With one weekend left to the 2007 pre-season, now's a perfect time to offer up a few predictions for how the season will turn out. Here are Joe's.

BC

14-4 is a hard record to achieve in this leageu, and repeating their Grey Cup championship will be tough as well, but if any team is capable of such things, it's the Lions. Two quarterbacks they're comfortable starting, a 3rd that can if he has to, a defence that's second to very few, if any, and oh yes, Paul McCallum can be counted on in any situation. Smells like a winner to me.

Calgary

That offence might just well be the best in the league, especially if Akili Smith ends up being worth anything. Just ask the Bombers what happens when you have to take a major step down from #1 to #2 in the quarterback game. With all the talent on offence, the defence just has to keep the other team from keeping up, but the big question is, will it be able to in the big games?

Edmonton

I do not think for one moment that this team will repeat the disaster that was last season. The franchise is too proud and too talented to stay down for long. They still have Ricky Ray and Jason Tucker, and that alone will help matters. The big question is the defence. Can they rebound from last year, and can they do it without some of the veteran leadership that's been there for ages?

Saskatchewan

I'm a Bombers fan. I admit it. This is, however, my honest straightforward opinion. My guess is that Kent Austin's homecoming will not be pleasant, the media will be swarming, and a decision or two that backfires early will all come together to drag this otherwise-talented team down into the dumps.

Montreal

The Als will have to keep themselves from spiraling like they did during the middle of last season, because this season, the East will be stronger, although it won't show very much in the standings. They won't be able to get away with another 5 game losing skid, but here's the thing: It won't happen this year. There's too much of a veteran presence and the cool demeanor of Jim Popp that will keep the Als flying straight.

Winnipeg

This is all contingent on Kevin Glenn staying healthy for at least 14 games. If not, take one win away from each additional game he'll miss. Additions in the receiving game and on defence will keep the team steady, and as long as they don't beat themselves in the playoffs, they can go toe to toe with Montreal, just like they did in three out of four games last year. We'll just forget the other one happened.

Toronto

Pick a quarterback, any quarterback. Please. The team doesn't have the threat of Ricky Williams to scare opposing defences, and they really don't have a quarterback they know they can trust for 18 games any more. The only thing they really have going for them this year is that they're not Hamilton.

Hamilton

Give Marcel Desjardins and crew a year to get things straightened out, and I'll come back to you. Until then, get ready for a revolving door, as players and coaches cycle through to find the right mix.

Predictions

West

BC 14-4

Calgary 11-7

Edmonton 9-9

Saskatchewan 5-13

East

Montreal 10-8

Winnipeg 9-9

Toronto 8-10

Hamilton 6-12

West Semi: Edmonton over Calgary

East Semi: Winnipeg over Toronto

West Final: BC over Edmonton

East Final: Winnipeg over Montreal

Grey Cup: BC over Winnipeg